prize-ring
(ˈpraɪzˌrɪŋ)
[f. after prize-fight: see ring n.1 14.]
A ring or enclosed space (now a square area enclosed by poles and ropes) for prize-fighting; hence transf. the practice of prize-fighting (cf. the turf = horse-racing); also attrib. belonging to prize-fighting, characteristic of prize-fighters.
| 1822 Sunday Times 20 Oct. 4/2 Bill Cropley, one of the heroes of the prize-ring, but now a hard-working coal⁓heaver. 1840 D. P. Blaine Encycl. Rur. Sports §4020 Two of the members of ‘the ancient prize-ring’ in actual combat. 1848 Thackeray Van. Fair lxiv, Captain Rook with his horse-jockey jokes and prize-ring slang. 1861 J. Crawfurd in Trans. Ethnol. Soc. I. 367 One of this race had nearly carried off the championship of England in the prize-ring. 1884 Times (weekly ed.) 17 Oct. 2/2 Better..not to introduce into political controversy the language of the prize-ring. |